Ewekoro LG Secretariat Jam-Packed As Residents, Indigenes Receive ATM Cards For Federal Government's Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Program

 By Olopade Sakiru 

The Ewekoro Local Government Secretariat, Itori, witnessed a large turnout of residents and indigenes as beneficiaries across the ten political wards converged at the Council Secretariat for the distribution of ATM cards under the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer (RH-CCT) Programme.

The exercise formed part of the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at providing financial support to poor and vulnerable households across the country. 

Under the programme, each eligible household is entitled to receive a total cash transfer of ₦75,000, subject to the programme's approved payment schedule.

Beneficiaries were drawn from the National Social Register (NSR), a database developed by the Federal Government to identify poor and vulnerable households. 

Eligibility was further confirmed through the verification of beneficiaries' National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), and other approved government records to ensure that only qualified households benefit from the intervention.

The ATM card distribution exercise attracted beneficiaries from all ten wards in Ewekoro Local Government, who patiently underwent the necessary verification process before receiving their cards.

Although the programme is a Federal Government initiative, the Community and Social Development Department of Ewekoro Local Government played a supportive role in ensuring the smooth and orderly conduct of the exercise. The Department coordinated logistics at the venue and provided light refreshments for beneficiaries as part of the Council's commitment to promoting the welfare of its people.

Speaking after the exercise, the Head of Operations, Ministry of Special Duties, Mrs. Eniolawun Oluwakemi, described the turnout as impressive, revealing that 1,800 ATM cards were allocated to Ewekoro Local Government for distribution.

"The turnout is very impressive, I must confess. The aim of this programme is to bring the poorest of the poor out of poverty."

Also speaking, the Director of Community and Social Development, Ewekoro Local Government, Mrs. Moyinoluwa Adewuyi, explained that the programme is specifically designed to improve the living conditions of poor and vulnerable households, noting that it had been implemented in some northern states before its expansion to other parts of the country.

According to her, widows and other vulnerable groups who require financial support, including those struggling to educate their children, are among the beneficiaries of the intervention.

Mrs. Adewuyi attributed the impressive turnout to the strategic mobilisation carried out across the ten wards of the Local Government.

"Honestly, the turnout is very encouraging, and the reason for this impressive response is the strategic mobilisation that was put in place. We are happy with the success of the programme in Ewekoro Local Government."

She, however, advised beneficiaries to make judicious use of the financial support by spending it on meaningful and essential needs in line with the objectives of the programme.

"Beneficiaries should ensure they use the money wisely so that the intention of the Federal Government to improve their welfare will be achieved."

Speaking after receiving her ATM card, Mrs. Olabunmi Adeoye from Papalanto Ward commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention.

"Our President has done well. It will go a long way in providing temporary relief for us. I also commend Governor Dapo Abiodun for his welfare programmes for the people of Ogun State."

She also appreciated the Executive Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa (ESKAY), saying:

"I cannot but appreciate our Chairman, Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa, our own ESKAY, for the good job he is doing in Ewekoro Local Government."

Another beneficiary, Mr. Adisa Oluwanisola, described the programme as a commendable initiative and appealed to the Federal Government to sustain it.

"This is a good initiative by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I want to urge the Federal Government to make it a regular programme. Although I know there are still many people waiting to benefit."

He also commended the leadership of the Council Chairman for his developmental strides in Ewekoro Local Government.

"I also want to express my gratitude to our Chairman because he has been doing wonders in our Local Government. Talk of empowerment, infrastructure and education, Hon. Adesina has given them top priority, and this has enhanced development in our Local Government."

The Council reiterated its commitment to supporting government programmes that promote social welfare and improve the quality of life of residents whenever called upon to do so.